If Depression Strikes: An approach that produces big results
The outline
Depression is no fun.
Depression and/or anxiety are awful experiences. I know. Despite what you might think, both can strike suddenly and without warning. You are sidelined, and you never saw it coming. You don’t know what to do, but you do know what you want: relief.
So, this suggestion I make today is not meant to diminish the seriousness of depression. BUT, even a little step in the right direction, or a little easing of the burden, can be helpful.
I’ve had my own struggles, so I know what I’m talking about. Not to mention all the research I did for my first book, Depression Has a Big Voice. I wrote about this very thing in that book: using our imagination during our devotional time.
In both books, Depression Has a Big Voice and Deeper, I write about how I use imaginary settings sometimes when I have my devotion time. There are two I resort to: Jesus and I, sitting by a quiet stream on a beautiful sunny spring day. In the other, we are in a mountain cabin in the winter with a big fire roaring in the huge stone fireplace.
I’m going somewhere with this, so stay with me.
Mental Imagery can bring peace.
You might find this research very interesting. I did. Intuitively, I know this is true.
“The experience of brief flashes of positive mental imagery in daily life can boost mood. It may also have other benefits in the context of depression. They also increase positive expectations and motivate behavior. Enhancing these potential effects of the training could hold particular promise for reducing anhedonic symptoms of depression. Developing simple computerized interventions could increase the experience of such positive mental imagery in daily life. These interventions could provide a useful tool in the drive to improve treatment outcomes in depression.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5412934/
Speaking of positive mental imagery, the Psalms paint some beautiful pictures. Plus, there are numerous picturesque scenes of God when He rides on the winds. I love that! Picture that.
Anyway, I was editing some of my Pinterest boards and was at “B”-beautiful places. I discovered that looking at the pictures I pinned was strangely relaxing. It was like I put myself in the pictures; I found it very peaceful. I’m going to share some images. I ask that you keep an open mind. See if looking at these doesn’t do the same for you. But here’s the thing:
You really have to give this a serious try and not just dismiss it as being way too simple. Besides, depression and anxiety respond remarkably well to simple steps. Any physician you go to will suggest some very simple first steps. They know that although depression is a complex illness, healing begins with the simple.
Let’s begin:
How would you feel if you could sleep in this bedroom and wake up to this view? I’ll bet you would feel such peace. Picture yourself talking to God in this environment. What do you think you’d say? Would you find it easier to pray?
But maybe snow is more your thing. Can you imagine having a cup of cocoa, being wrapped up in a blanket, and praying? Would your senses be more alert in the cold?
Is walking outside your MOJO? You feel closer to God, and you find it easier to pray when you are moving. “Walking” prayers are highly effective for some people.
But maybe you’re more of a beach person. The lapping of the waves and the seagulls flying around are more your thing.
Some places to “visit” to combat depression
For me, any of these would be a place where I would feel at peace. But let’s face it, how likely is it that I am going to find myself in these places anytime soon? However, I can imagine myself in these scenes. I can imagine how peaceful I would feel.
As I wrote earlier, this idea may seem way out there for some of you. However, our imagination is highly underused as Christians, even though the Bible is full of imagery.
Using our creativity to battle depression
As believers, we are called to tap into the endless well of creativity and imagination that God has gifted us with. We should use these divine tools not only for personal expression but also for uplifting others and glorifying His name. The Bible is not just a collection of words. It serves as a profound source of inspiration. It encompasses a myriad of themes and stories. It contains vivid imagery and symbolism. These elements invite us to explore the depths of our creativity. They encourage us to see the world through a lens of faith.
In its pages, we find narratives of triumph and struggle. There is artistry in language and a call to create beauty in our everyday lives. This reminds us that we are co-creators with our Creator. By delving into scripture, we enrich our understanding of the artistic nature of God. This spark can also ignite our imaginations. It leads us to greater heights in our creative pursuits.
By using our imagination, we deepen our understanding of spiritual truths and connect with God in new and profound ways. God is the ultimate Creator. We are called to be creative in reflecting His glory through our thoughts. We must do so through our words and actions. And I might add, our devotion.
Don’t shy away from embracing your imagination as a powerful tool for expressing your faith and drawing closer to God. When we draw closer to God, we feel less anxiety and depression. So why not give this a try? You have nothing to lose, and if you find a few moments of relief, isn’t that a win-win?
God bless, and have a good imagination day.
